Friday, 20 January 2017

After breaking up with
his partner, English professor Dr. Derek Chandler feels like a failure
who will never win at romance. His aloof colleague, Dr. Macon Pinney,
disagrees and pens an anonymous note of encouragement to Derek, which he
signs “Cupid.” Thus begins an exchange of correspondence, a courtship
through words where the two men find out they have a great deal in
common. Meanwhile, Derek reaches out to Macon, not knowing Macon is his
anonymous pen pal. Derek reveals through his letters that someone close
by has piqued his interest. Could he mean Macon—or has Macon missed his
opportunity and lost Derek to another man?

Perhaps the time has come for Cupid to put in an appearance, and when better to do so than Valentine’s Day?

This is cute.
I liked the idea of the story, but the letters was kinda old fashioned?
I understand they're geeks but still...
The 'stalking' games between the two MCs was entertaining, especially when one of them waiting for the next letter. It's like cat and mouse play.
I just wish that the letters not too 'text book' , I'd enjoyed it more.

More thoughts to come...

* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner press for an honest and unbiased review.*

Everyone deserves a
second chance. Or do they? Sean and Martim fell in love at Harvard.
Things broke apart when Martim fell into a downward spiral of addiction
after his father died. Sean kicked him out but has regretted it ever
since. He’s never gotten over losing Martim. But then, not many aspects
of his life have lived up to his collegiate dreams.

When he’s
sent to evaluate Martim’s family hotel for foreclosure, Sean is once
again in the position to put Martim out on the street. In the time since
they parted, Martim has pulled himself together, although both health
and financial problems linger as a result of his years as an addict. Can
the two men bridge the gap of distance and time to rekindle their
relationship, or will they fall apart again under the burdens of guilt
and disease?

It's not easy meeting someone you still love dearly and what you about to do is torturing his life. Again.
And Sean have to fight with his own guilty feeling and the job. What to choose?
It's easy, because in Lisbon, when he met a love of his life, he can't deny the chemistry, and arguing with his inner demon if he wanted to stay with Martim for good is a waste. Because there's always Martim from the beginning.
But Martim has his own problem he need to explain to Sean, and Sean's understanding is the most important thing if they wanted to reconnect.
At first, no...Sean can't help himself to run away from Martim. But, you know, love... it's sometimes we only need love to cure everything.
And Sean's love for Martim...was in a thin ice. And he need to be strong for both of them.
It was sweet, a little sad but the beauty of Lisbon at least minimized the bitterness.
And love. Love cures all the pain.

* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner press for an honest and unbiased review.*

Despite
his American background, August O’Leary is the most sought-after
wedding planner in London. Naturally, Libby and Edward come to him for a
wedding the city will never forget. But Edward is an international
businessman, so the details are left to Libby and her best friend—who
happens to be the love of August’s life and the one who broke his heart
eight years ago: Christopher Burke.

How’s August supposed to pull
off the event of the year with Christopher distracting him and old
feelings crashing the party uninvited?

Christopher has let money
and status dictate his life, but no more. His failure to stand up to
others’ expectations cost him his future with August—one he hoped would
include marriage. Now he has to face August’s hurt and anger and prove
he’s still the best man to make August happy.The Worst Best Man by M.J. O'Shea
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Finding out that your best friend's wedding planner is your (young) love and still obsessed on, is a shock for Christopher.
Never recovered from a heartbroken he had made for himself for being coward, made him thinking about it again, reevaluate.
But you know, young love. Weak and all. What's parents said was an absolution. And Christopher was no exception. Obeyed.
But he broke his heart, no...no only his , but August's as well.
I liked the idea of a second chance love, it was cute and romantic.
But I have one complaint over it. August is too weak, I think he should be more ... I don't know, maybe gave Christopher a little hard time? He gave up too soon, but again...first love never dies , huh?
He did actually gave Christopher something to think about, in the end, and finally Christopher learned the hard way, that he must fight for August.
This is a light, fun, sweet romance. Not much twist just the way I liked it. So, this probably perfect for you. Give it a try.

* I received the ARC from dreamspinner press in exchange of an unbiased and honest review*

Cash
McCord’s life is pretty much perfect. He owns the family ranch, loves
his work, and invites the occasional cowboy into his bed. But everything
is turned upside down when his brother Jack and Jack’s wife Val are
killed in a car crash, leaving behind six kids.

Cash is made
guardian of the children, along with Val’s brother, Brad Rafferty—a man
who couldn’t be more different from Cash if he tried. A Yankee, Brad is a
video-game developer who works twelve-to-fourteen-hour days at his
desk. They lock horns as soon as they set eyes on each other. Neither
man is happy to have the other around, but neither is willing to give up
custody of his nieces and nephews.

It’s up to these two polar
opposites to keep the kids together and give them a family again. But
first they’ll have to keep from killing each other.

First Edition published as Inheritance in Family Matters by Torquere Press, 2008.

An enemy to lover and a helluva lots of sex and six children.
How could that mix in one story? It does, after all.
I liked how determined the two MCs to keep the children together and working on to build the family of their own hand in hand.
The sex though, it was hot but some of them I didn't think necessary.
The overly drama queen Grandmother made the story a bit spicy. But problem solved fast, and everybody's happy, well not the Grandmother, of course.

* I received the ARC from dreamspinner press in exchange of an unbiased and honest review*

Writing crime novels
catapulted Memphis native Silas Cooper to fame and fortune, but when his
words backfire and he becomes trapped in what could be one of his
books, he needs a hero of his own.

Silas’s publicist insists he
hire a personal assistant, and Silas chooses Scott Kramer. But before
Scott starts, he already has a round of steamy phone sex to hold over
Silas’s head, and his interest in his boss isn’t decreasing.

Benjamin
Logan joined the Army to see the world, and while deployed he read
every one of Silas’s books. With his military career over, Ben is back
in Memphis working for the police department—and attempting a deeply
closeted relationship with fellow cop Morgan Brown.

Over coffee,
Silas and Ben become friends who support each other as relationships
fall apart, and the attraction between them slowly emerges. When a
dangerous stalker threatens Silas, it’s up to Ben to stop him.

It's a long book, and I have to adjust with the writing style as well.
Both MCs not really my liking, pinning to their other lovers instead of finding their way to each other.
The chemistry was also not really as strong as I expected.
And I had a hard time reading their sex life with others. No cheating whatsoever, they're actually quite loyal to their (other) partners, even admitted love.
I don't know. I guess, their closeness was more of the danger Silas's faced and Ben was there for him. Not that I'm complained.
But together after 60% mark, didn't satisfied me at all.

More thoughts to follow, I guess...

* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner press for an honest and unbiased review.*

Pat
Corrigan and Edgerton "Edge" Winters were ready to start a family--or
so Pat thought. At the last minute, Edge got cold feet and fled. Pat
didn't bother telling him the conception had already gone through and
little Emma was on her way. He didn't want a relationship based on
obligation. He'd rather raise his daughter on his own.

Nine years
later, Emma and her Poppy are doing fine. Edge isn't. He realizes what
he threw away by leaving, and he's back to turn his life around and
reclaim his family. It'll take a lot to prove to Pat that he's a new
man, and even if Edge succeeds, the secret Pat has hidden for years
might shatter their dreams all over again.Poppy's Secret by Andrew Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

* 4,5 stars!*

Andrew Grey is one of those hit and miss author for me. I was kinda giddy when I requested this to review, but I didn't disappoint.
This is a really cute story about second chance love. About family and acceptance and forgiveness.
Honestly, I really understood the reason why did Edge bolted out from their dreams to have a family. They're young, very young. Lacking of communication was their biggest problem. If only Edge told Pat the truth and Pat didn't that stubborn.
But what's happened , happened. The kid was born and Pat loving every second of taking care of his little Emma.
But not his love life it seemed.
Until all of a sudden, Edge back and wanted what he had left nine years ago. Selfish much?
Well yeah. But again, he wanted to change, and begging Pat for one more chance.
Pat in my opinion, was too easy forgiving him.
But then, I realized why did Pat easily accepted Edge again. It's a secret he kept for nine long years for himself.
So, the spark was stil, there, the love never change. They only need to find a way to each other this time, to build their dreams together.
This is a low angst, sweet and adorable story.
The way Edge interacted with Emma was adorable. Because...well...find it yourself.
Overall, this one was not disappointed, I liked it a lot. So, I think I can recommend this for a light read for you who like family's story. Sweet.

* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest and unbiased review.*

Thursday, 12 January 2017

Ryder Daniels and Jason
Mallory seem to have it all but even the most loving marriage takes
work. Ryder's past leads him to remain silent yet resentful in the face
of conflict while Jason strives to prove he can take care of his family
without Ryder's wealth, even if it costs him precious time with his
husband and daughter.

When a devastating illness leaves them
shaken and helpless, Ryder is forced to face the one person he never
thought to see again with a life or death request that even he isn't
sure will be granted, but his decisions have far-reaching consequences.
Believing he and Ryder have no secrets, Jason is distraught to discover
otherwise, revealing yet another crack in their once-perfect
relationship.

Adrift and uncertain, both struggle to hold onto a
love previously thought unshakeable. A forbidden past is exposed,
shocking Ryder to the core, but it means little without Jason by his
side. Marriage is a partnership and both men must learn that only by
working through their pain and heartbreak together can they achieve a
lifetime of love.

""Now here I am, back again, stuck spinning my wheels in the mud, unable to move. Scared to death this time. But I never stopped needing you. I never will.""

A few months back when Felice Stevens gave us hints that there's gonna be a sequel for Rescued, honestly, I was freaking out.
I mean, these guys have their HEA already! What are you going to do revisiting and ripped their HEA again?
And Felice just didn't care (evil woman!). And she came with the story my obvious weakness... A child!
Damn.

And when 'suddenly' this book just dropped onto my hand, I need more coffee to calm down. Yeah, I'm cranky with no coffee.
So, I revisited Ryder and Jason and their four year old daughter, Gemma. After five years of their marriage.

The twist right there from the start, punching my gut and the cry fest started.
I tried not to give you any spoilers if possible, so this review won't include the story.
But a little hints of Jason and Ryder relationship won't hurt. They're my first love of Felice's boys, before I met Micah (ehem), and I didn't want Felice messing up with their life.. I made it clear that no cheating will allowed in my books. And I was glad, that Ryder and Jason as strong as they were in the beginning.
Of course there's never be always rainbow and flowers in marriage. And I think, after some crying (me, and Jason and Ryder), they're okay after all. With the family's love, and one big surprise on Ryder's side.
This is mostly about family, and how we cannot life our life alone without their love, and how much we need family support, whatever we want it or not. Family is there to support you.

I think this one of Felice's best and I'm glad I can read it right when I need some tears detox.
You won't escape the tears when you reading this, but it's all worth it.
Thanks Felice, keep on writing!

* I received the ARC from the author with no expectation to write a review or a high rating upon the ARC received. I'll still write in my blog near the release date.*

Wednesday, 11 January 2017

Sam
knows you can never go home again. As an orphaned feline shifter raised
by wolves, being an outcast is nothing new to him. But the pack is
still his family, and when one of them passes away, Sam returns to the
New Mexico desert to say good-bye.

Gus is a loner who rarely
returns to his pack, but as fate would have it, Sam is there when he
chooses to visit. The history between Gus and Sam is tumultuous, to say
the least, but when Gus gets an eyeful of the grown-up and gorgeous
version of his childhood bully, he can’t control his reaction. And he
isn’t alone.

The attraction is powerful, but so are their
differences. And with trouble brewing in the pack and danger surrounding
them, Sam and Gus might not have the opportunity to seek common ground.

This
action-packed shifter novel is the ultimate opposites attract and
enemies-to-lovers romance, and it includes a bonus novella, In the Dog
House.

This one was cute.
With bunch of kitty and puppy sex :)
I liked how the story goes and the development of their relationship, from enemy to lovers and then mate.
It was fun to read, you don't need to frown reading this :)
I felt sorry for Sam for feeling that he can’t go home again and can’t be with the pack, because he’s not one of them. But once Gus falling for him, Gus did everything to assure Sam that he’s one of them. Especially, when Sam is a mate of the alpha. No one standing between them, because, Sam and Gus is one package deal.
This is an enjoyable fun read, especially when the sex is so freaking hot between Sam and Gus. Seemed like thay have sex, all the time. LOL. But, it’s okay. You know, animal instinct and all. *grins*
Overall, if you need a fun sexy enjoyable light read, this one probably perfect for you :)

*I received the ARC from the publisher in exchange of a fair and unbiased review*

Darwin Michaels is
living his dreams in the Mile High City. While Denver offers the perfect
job, scrumptious dining, and whirlwind dating options, Darwin is losing
hope he’ll find the right man to spark his interest for more than a
one-night stand—until he sets eyes on Cody Russell.

Cody has just
accomplished his life’s goal—get the hell out of Kansas. In one fell
swoop, he lands a job at Hamburger Mary’s and gets a newfound family and
the chance to be with other gay people! All that’s missing is someone
special. But when Darwin shows his interest, Cody is sure it’s too good
to be true. After all, what can Darwin possibly see in the high school
dropout serving him nachos?

As Darwin falls in love, Cody
struggles to realize his worth. When his past threatens the fragile life
he is building, Cody spirals into a moment of dark desperation. But
Darwin is determined to show Cody that love and family and home are
there for him… will Cody accept what is offered?Nachos & Hash by Brandon Witt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When you don't have goals and big dreams except being who you are and accepted in the community as you are, it's kinda hard to see other people expected about you.
Darwin wanted Cody. But Cody can't see any future with Darwin, in assumption that Darwin is out of his league.
For a one night stand, that'll be okay, but the future? A boyfriend? Cody's not going there.
Sad that Cody has a low self confidence with his future and just happy in Mary's....but right now, that's what he sees in him.
Darwin has just complicated everything, but he can't help his attraction to Darwin.
Complicated? Yes.
But Darwin never gave up on Cody, some mistakes has been made, but they're back in track soon.
This is a light read, which I was glad.
Cute and entertaining, especially with ManDonna in the picture. Enjoyable, so give it a try...

* I received the ARC in exchange of a fair an unbiased review, no high rating required.*

Shawn
is adrift. Recently graduated, he’s stuck in a dead-end job that barely
pays the bills. His girlfriend dumped him, his friends have moved on,
and he’s still in Plymouth—going nowhere.

Jude is a student
living in the same shared house. Out and proud, he’s everything Shawn’s
been running from since he hit puberty. When Shawn discovers Jude works
as a cam boy, he can’t resist the urge to watch one of his shows. It
makes Shawn want things that scare him, yet his fascination forces him
to confront his attraction.

Keen to explore his bicurious side,
Shawn suggests they do a show together. Jude agrees, and things get
complicated—and kinky—fast. But Jude isn’t looking to get involved with
someone so deep in the closet. If Shawn’s going to get what he wants, he
needs to find the courage to stop hiding from himself and be honest
about who he is.

Length: 52,000 words approx.Although this
book is part of the Housemates series, it has new main characters, a
satisfying happy ending, and can be read as a standalone.

Series Information and Links

The Housemates Series
is a collection of standalone stories set around a student house in Britain.
This new adult series focuses on themes of self-discovery and sexual awakening.

Sooooo...what is it about Mister J and college boys and their hotness that drives me hot and bothered?
Damn, Shawn and Jude are so freakin' good and natural together!
And Mr.J knew how to writes hotness and sweetness at the same time.
And made my cute cheeks blushed when Jude did that to that practically virgin Shawn! Cough...cough...

I liked the interactions among all the housemates, especially Mac and Jez..OMG they're so obvious.
Poor Shawn. Good thing is, Jude understood. And whatever Jude said to him, I think it was just opened his eyes about his sexuality. Shawns denial about his sexuality didn't bother me at all, it was a right portion of denial, me think.
Oh, and the hotness guys...better NOT reading this one in public! Consider yourself warned!

Just can't helped myself to tell you the good news! Jay Northcote, you nailed it babe!

Read the book!

* I received the ARC from the author in exchange of a fair and unbiased review*

Jay
lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of
writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had
passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website
content.

One
day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and
found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay
writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. He has
five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and also self-publishes under the
imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.

Wes Green keeps everyone
at arm’s length, either by pushing buttons or simply pushing them away.
When that doesn’t work, Wes runs, as far and as fast as he can. This
time, bolting from his boyfriend also costs him his professional
organizing job. His last resort is to retreat to his brother’s basement
and try to pick up the pieces. The only bright spot in his new life is
his niece, Kelsey.

One day, while in Kelsey’s school drop-off
line, he meets Sam Montgomery, the father of Maya, Kelsey’s best friend.
When Wes finds out Sam is gay and interested in some
no-strings-attached fun, Wes thinks he’s hit the jackpot. With
boundaries firmly in place, keeping Sam at a distance should be easy.

What
starts out simple quickly gets complicated when fun turns to feelings
between Wes and Sam. But the baggage both men carry threatens to stop
things before they start. Can Wes stay put long enough to find real
love, or will old habits be too hard to break?

This started well, and promising. I liked the writing style.
I think this is my first book of this author, blame my lacking of memory.
Wes is a sad person, seriously. He didn't know what to do with his life after one accident in the past.
He didn't believe that his relationship with Nick will last forever, despite of how Nick treated him (actually, Nick had the reason to get mad after all). Wes ran away.
And he met Sam
Real story started here, with Sam and his so called 'relationship' with him.
Wes is bitter, low self esteem and he let people do whatever they wants to him. Aka, doormat.
Damn, I should have been liked him, and Sam as the MCs.
But even Sam, I can't like very much. He treated Wes like a ... doormat!
Not that he cheated on him or whatever (there's no cheating in this book, thankfully), but I couldn't agree with how Sam treated Wes. And Wes just go with it?
I was kinda glad when Wes decided to leave the town, but no....he didn't really make it.
Instead, he's back. Weak MC is not my cup of tea.
I enjoyed this story after forty percent mark, but it was went downhill from there.
Glad I can finally finished the book. Not really my forte, this one is a so so.

* I received the ARC in exchange of a fair and unbiased review. No high rating required upon the ARC received.*

Friday, 6 January 2017

Dave is enjoying his
junior year at a big New England university, even if none of his
relationships have been especially satisfying. He plans to hang around
with his best friend Joe and focus on his studies until he graduates,
and then he’ll figure out the rest.

Meeting Noel changes his plans.

Noel
is strikingly beautiful and unlike anyone Dave knows. Something about
Noel draws Dave to him—an attraction Dave doesn’t feel ready to label.
And even if he was, why would Noel be interested in Dave? And what about
Joe? He hates Noel and everything he represents, and he might hate Dave
if he finds out about Dave’s secret desires. So Dave will have to keep
those feelings hidden—along with his relationship with Noel.

But
Noel has fought too hard for his identity to be Dave’s dirty secret.
Will Dave tell the truth and risk the life he’s always known… or live a
lie and risk losing the love of his life?There Has to Be a Reason by Kate McMurray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hiding in the closet is never easy. Especially when you have a crush on an openly gay guy, out and proud.
Met in a weird circumstances, Dave cannot help himself but attracted to Noel. While he's still having a girlfriend. I think it's only a denial on Dave's side that he keep dating a girl instead finding it in a boy. Well, until Noel.
Dave's struggling with his sexuality actually irked me in the beginning. With girl and all.
But this is somehow, an interesting story, and keep going.
They're dating, finally. But Noel hated being a dirty secret of Dave, and I feel for him. I wanted to smack Dave in the head when he treated Noel that way, good thing is, Noel did what he need to do.
I'm glad.
Dave need a lesson to learn.
I know it's hard to admit that you are gay, and realized that you attracted to a guy instead of a girl, confused you. Dave obviously need 'more' time to adjust his sexuality.
But then, there's Noel. Is that worth it losing Noel? For his insecurity?
Or he need to look back and fight for it?
Because, happiness is worth fighting for. And be who you are with someone you love, priceless.

* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner press in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*

Jacob Kendricks is
three months out of prison, estranged from his daughter, and ready to
get his life on track. Taking care of the bum curled up on his doorstep
isn’t part of the plan. When he realizes the man has been assaulted,
Jake takes him to the hospital, where he learns that Max is his
downstairs neighbor… and that he could really use a friend. Keeping Max
in the friend-zone would be easier if he wasn’t so damned cute.

Maxwell
Wilson has been bullied for years, and the only person who ever cared
lives too far away to come to his rescue. Now his upstairs neighbor is
offering support. Max remains cautious, suspecting he is little more
than a project for the handsome Jake. When he learns Jake has had
boyfriends as well as girlfriends, Max has to reevaluate his
priorities—and muster the courage to take a chance at love.

Just
when a happy future is within their grasp, life knocks them back down. A
devastating blow leaves Max lower than ever and Jake wrestling with
regret. They both have to find the strength to stand on their own before
they can stand together.

Love is never easy.
Especially for an ex-con like Jake and a low self confidence like Max.
Met in not a very common situation, Jake can't help himself but to fall for Max.
This was a slow burn, and I found that I don't mind at all.
Jake has anger issue with him, that's the main problem, and he had to spent a year in prison, for something I barely understood.
While Max, living as a punching bag since he was a kid, and he lost his ability to stand for himself.
Lots to cope, before they can be together and be happy.
I love the process of their struggling with their own issue.
This is not a light read, there's angst and sadness, brutality and roller coaster. But Max and Jake survived, and slowly found their way to each other.
This is a healing comfort love story between two broken soul, and I loved how much Jake adored his Max, and how Max depend on Jake.
I adored Jake and his love to Max, how patient he's waiting for the 'L' word from Max....and the fireworks scene is nothing but adorable. Loved it!

More thoughts to come.

Recommended!

* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest and unbiased review.*

Ben
Easton is not your average romantic hero. He’s a tattooed, badass,
wannabe rock star, working in a perfectly horrible dive bar in Camden
Town. His life is good, and he’s totally unprepared for how one man will
turn it upside down.

Stan isn’t your average heroine. As a
gender-fluid man, he proudly wears his blond hair long, his heels
sky-high, and his makeup perfectly executed. A fashion industry prodigy,
Stan is in London after stints working in Italy and New York City, and
he quickly falls for Ben’s devil-may-care attitude and the warm, soft
heart Ben hides behind it.

Beneath the perfect, elegant exterior,
Stan has plenty of scars from teenage battles with anorexia. And it
only takes the slightest slip for his demons to rush back in while Ben
is away touring with his band. With the band on the brink of a
breakthrough, Ben is forced to find a way to balance the opportunity of a
lifetime with caring for his beautiful boyfriend.

I want a boyfriend like Ben. Please God, be generous to me and send me Ben's cloning ... please???

This is not the first book of Anna Martin for me, I like her writing style, and the stories usually different.This one is no exceptional.When the whole world is still confuse about what gender-fluid is, Anna Martin explained it clearly through Stan.With his gender matter, and his own problem, Ben is like an angel and Ben is definitely a perfect one for Stan.

This story is so perfect, I couldn't ask for better.This is not a full of angst with couple problem, no. Ben and Stan are solid. And with their friends in the middle, especially Tone...everything solved. Not without effort of course.I really like how Ben accepted who and what Stan is, not one blink he questioned Stan's sexuality or his gender. He interested in Stan, boy or girl or whatever. Stan is tan for Ben. Period. Perfect guy.And Stan knew it.

I like Tone, he's an epitome of a best best friend for Ben and Stan. No filter and all, and Stan surprisingly match with Tone. I felt for Stan, for what he had been through in the beginning with his family. Thankfully he found Ben after he moved to London.Stan's struggled with his anorexia is the most part of the story, with Ben beside him, and the loving friends they have, they're going to make it. I believed they'll have their HEA, because, there's no way Ben can live without his Princess and Stan without his impossible Boy.

Highly recommended!

* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner press in exchange of an honest and fair review. *